My CP Hairbrush; the one and only you will need

CP Hair Designs Vented De-tangling and Styling Brush

$19.95

I am so happy I stumbled upon this ingenious hairbrush.

Christoper Hornauer, my divine colorist, has been tending to my locks for 17 years, the last 15 or so at Warren Tricomi, Greenwich.  One of the things WT does really well, is fully stock their blow dry bar, for clients who are happy to dry there own hair.

Cleverly, I am sure a lot of product and brushes are purchased from clients who get to try them first.  On my last visit, I picked up a curved, combination pin and boar bristle brush on a whim. Oh my my...

LIFT, VOLUME, SHINE??? Yup.  But it also leaves my hair straight and sleek.

Christopher has mentored many young assistants over the years, who have gone on to be promoted to full fledged colorists.  Among them Jenna is my all time fave. As she scooted by, I pointed to my dream "bump" a full on section of lift and volume in the crown of my hair. Jenna, who loves a bit of bump herself, got it immediately.  I asked her to kindly check and see if these were available for sale, because if not, it was going home in my handbag :).

Fortunately, for all, it was.

The brush, by CH Products  is a new offering from them, designed to both detangle and style.  It is perfect for all hair types, including those with sensitive scalps. Because the head is flexible, it makes styling easy and takes a lot of pressure off your wrist.

I usually do not carry a brush, but I find myself wanting to use it during the day, for a little pick me up. The downside is that I worry about losing it and protect my bag the way I might if I was a tourist in Rome.

It's that good.  Want to have one too? Click here  for a link to their site to purchase one. As always, you are very welcome...

xox,

DD

The Big Tease: Conair Volume & Styling Comb

Conair Volume & Styling Comb

I've said it before and I will say it again, if I could have a Bump-It surgically implanted to the back of my head I would.  Ever since I saw the original Bonnie & Clyde with Faye Dunaway, at the peak of her beauty, I've been obsessed with a little height at the crown of the hair.

Faye Dunaway as Bonnie in Bonnie & Clyde

I have purchased dozens of "lift" and "teasing" combs over the years, and I can handily find one in any clutch or handbag I open.  Some have a long "rat tail" end, for strategically creating an nonstrategic part. Other's have a spray of 5 talons at the end like a gap tooth "Afro pick".

Do they get the job done?

Review: Moroccanoil Shampoo and Conditioner

$21.80/ $22.80

It seems somewhat impossible that I have, here-to-fore, missed the Moroccanoil Mania.  It's been tweed-ling around in my brain for awhile, but with a closet full of shampoo and conditioner that can rival the a mid size CVS, I didn't feel compelled to purchase it.

This week I spent some quality time in the Berkshires, with one of my BFF's Barbara Newman.  Even we can't believe how many years we've been friends. Though the number seems staggering, where on earth have all the years flown by?It's a testament to the power of an everlasting bond, that has and will, always withstand time and miles.

We spent a good chunk of Wednesday at the Spa at the Cranwell Resort & Spa in Lennox, Mass., finishing in the evening with two glorious massages.  I like showering after a massage, and if the facility is scrupulously clean and filled with good products, I never hesitate.

I was excited to see their showers were equipped with the original Moroccanoil Moisture Repair Shampoo and Conditioner.  The only glitch was that we both forgot to take our hairbrushes and with us. As well, the temperature had taken an unexpected dip, so it seemed unwise to leave with soaking wet hair.

Oh well.

So I thought...Knowing I was disappointed, Barbara  thoughtfully filled two mouthwash cups with shampoo and conditioner and packed them carefully in a shower cap to surprise me with when we got home.

Hooray! Love you B.!!!

Are you Finished?: Shu Uemura Sheer Lacquer Finishing Spray

Shu Uemura Sheer Lacquer Micro Finishing Spray
$38
 

Last week was, (pray God,) unseasonably warm in the Northeast. I save all my weather complaining for the Winter---you can't have it both ways, but my hair woes are another story.

I have noticed of late that all of the hairsprays I have tried have been leaving my hair with a dull finish...not pretty. I need the control, particularly with some of the flyaways that drive me mad, but still want hair that looks reasonably shiny.

Ibiza Hair Brushes: In a word??? WOW

Ibiza Extra Large Round Brush
$48

I had my hair colored the other day. My Colorist extraordinaire Christopher Hornauer and his adorable Assistant Jenna at Warren Tricomi in Greenwich brought my sun faded tresses back to life. (I guess next time we vacation I will have to wear a Pith helmet instead of a straw hat.)

One of the things that I appreciate about having my hair colored at Warren Tricomi  is their well stocked blow dry bar, for times when you want to DIY.  This time, there was a ton of product, 3 dryers, but just one paddle brush, so I asked the first all black clad passerby if she might be able to supply a round brush.

She came back with a well worn brush that reminded me of, well, a toilet brush. "Will this be O.K.?"  "Oh, just perfect", I replied cheerfully...Uh boy.

Review: Philosophy Resurface Microdelivery Dual-Phase Peel

Philosophy Microdelivery Dual-Phase Peel
$69

My darling friend Nancy and her family were visiting from London this weekend. We are childhood friends and though I don't get to see her nearly enough, when we are together we are in instant lock-step and spend most of it laughing. I adore her.

Nancy came to Greenwich on Friday to see me.  We shopped at Richards and then I took her to Warren Tricomi to meet with my dream team; Christopher for color and Jennifer for brow and eyelash tinting.  Since Michael spends half of his time at Warren Tricomi and the other half at Vidal Sassoon in London as their Creative Director, I thought he would be the perfect person to cut Nancy's hair.

Nancy and Diva at Warren Tricomi

Since we didn't feel like we had nearly enough time together, we agreed to a part 2 in New York on Saturday.  Nicely, Nancy is a huge fan of my Blog and asked if we could first meet at Sephora, so I could help her select my must-haves. 

Nancy was asking for my recommendations, but I couldn't take my eyes off her flawless, glowing skin.  Forget what I'm using...I wanted to know what she was using--she looks fantastic.

Nancy thinks that Philosophy's Resurface Microdelivery Dual-Phase Peel was a true game changer for her.  Naturally, I wasn't leaving without it and she couldn't wait for me to try it.

Just Browsing... Yet Again

As you know, one of my favorite beauty blogs is written by my friend Kari Solyntjes who created Fab Over Forty at just about the same time I started DivaDebbi in 2008.  For me, it's a daily must read and I highly recommend subscribing.

A little over a month ago, Kari posted a blog about an experience she had when she was having her hair colored. Her salon had just hired a new brow guru and he suggested that the fastest way too achieve thicker looking, lush brows would be to tint them.  

Kari was game and was amazed and delighted with the results. She found that the tint gave life to all those nearly invisible tail hairs...Naturally this story brewed in my head.  It's really a no brainer if you think about it, so why isn't it suggested more frequently???

Get the Look: Kate Middleton

I frequently receive emails from my P.R. friends, with laborious details describing how A to Z list stars have achieve their Red Carpet coiffs.

When I received this one about Kate Middleton's stunning Holiday hair styles, with easy to achieve tips and results by Edward Tricomi, Co-owner of Warren Tricomi Salons,  I had to share this.

 Warren Tricomi Greenwich is where my own genius colorist  Christopher Hornauer resides.  I am also crazy about their products.  I recently blogged about their new Super Hold Hair Spray (http://divadebbi.blogspot.com/2012/10/review-warren-tricomis-super-hold-hair.html)

J'Adore!!! I recently saw Christopher for color.  I told him they have achieved "Bump-It in a Can". Genius!

Check out Kate Middleton’s gorgeous holiday styles with tips on how to get the look from Edward Tricomi, Co-owner of Warren-Tricomi Salons.

Kate’s Updo:

“This look is Elegant, charming and surprisingly easy to achieve.”

· Begin by parting your hair where it would naturally fall.

· This look is started with a very basic French braid at the back of the neck. Be sure to braid very loosely, this will keep the look modern and effortless.

· Once your braid reaches the top of your back begin to twist it into a bun. The bun should be more oval in shape as opposed to round and should sit right at the base of your neck. Secure with hair pins.

Review: Warren Tricomi's Super Hold Hair Spray...Does

Warren Tricomi's Super Hold Hair Spray
$20

I may have been born in the wrong era.  I would have had no issue with suiting up every day with false lashes and a fall...

Why shouldn't one look their best at Stop & Shop???

Yes, I'm a sucker for a little height at the crown.

I recently tried one of those ingenious Blow-Dry bars, that seem to be popping up on every street corner like banks and Starbucks.

No cuts. No color. Just shampoo, conditioner and blow dryers.  In theory it sounded great...
Who doesn't like a cheap and cheerful blow out?

Well me apparently.

Garnier Sleek & Shine Flat Iron Perfector: Do you need this?



Garnier Sleek & Shine Flat Iron Perfector  $4.99

 DoI???  Much to my own dismay, I could not resist picking this up while on a CVS run. How could I possibly need to add another styling product to the army under my bathroom sink?

I had just had my hair freshly colored by the magnificent Christopher at Warren Tricomi, Greenwich.  Nicely, WT is fine, with those of us who like to blow dry our own hair after color services. 

It's not that I'm cheap, but it's rare that I really love the way anyone blows out my hair...What really is the point of paying to have it dried, only to come home and tweak it for twenty minutes?

They have a perfect set-up,that includes a top notch dryer, a dozen immaculate brushes in all shapes and sizes and product for any conceivable style...everything except a flat iron. 

Is that too much to ask??? Ya. I think it probably is.  So essentially, I do a serviceable job, but come home and tweak for twenty minutes anyway---see what I mean?

Shu Uemura Tasai Versatile Styling Cream: Can One Product Do It All?

$38 for 8.5 oz.

I know I cannot be alone in having my own stash of hair styling products that could rival any retail wall of the average salon.  From barely used to been there so long it's now discontinued, they amass. Enthusiastic promises of shine, fullness, control and silky straightness without stickiness, oil and build up were never kept...until now. Hooray!!!

Not Fade Away: Kerastase Chroma Sensitive "Cleansing Balm"

I think the last time I "lathered, rinsed and repeated", I was a single Girl, living in N.Y.C.  I barely made my rent each month, but somehow I managed to buy myself a new fur coat...que sera sera. 

The light bulb went off when I started coloring my hair professionally. Who said it's necessary to lather, rinse and repeat??? My good friends at Proctor & Gamble???  It just seems like part of what I was paying for was slipping down the drain, hence, I have been a "lather and rinse only" Girl, for quite some time.

The last time I visited with my amazingly talented  Colorist, Christopher at Warren Tricomi  Greenwich, he gave me a present...

"This is a very different kind of shampoo".

"Really"???  "How so"? I pondered.

"Well, it doesn't really lather".

The Magic of Margo...and Mousse

When I look under my sink at the dozens of hair products that reside there, they fall distinctly into two camps:  Volumizers that build overall body and add lift to the roots and  Straighteners that tame frizz and add shine.   Therein lies the crux of my problem; I like volume but don't want to look dated.  I want shine but feel ridiculous with pin straight flat hair.  When I have my hair blown out professionally, inevitably that's what I end up with...that is of course, until I had a blow out for an event with Margo Levitin, Senior Stylist at Warren Tricomi, Greenwich, who understands that every now and then a Girl wants Housewife Hair, God help us.  This was an experience, requiring 4 hands, 5 round brushes (the size of turkey legs), a can of mousse and Margo's firm instructions.  It is no wonder that so many assistants have graduated to full time, successful stylists under Margo's bootcamp tutelage.  She is simply the best.  As requested, Helmet Hair with a Texas T.  Thanks Margo for letting me have my way, your way.  It was a blast!!!

It's been a looooong time since anyone used mousse in my hair. Could I recreate any of Margo's magic at home?  I can't deny that I did like the volume it provides, but not the tacky dullness.  I took a really good look under that sink, and saw an unused can of TRESemme Climate Control Mousse,  that I had picked up at the TRESemme booth they sponsor during Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week.  TRESemme's philosophy is to provide women with "Professional, Affordable" hair care...makes sense to me.  Infused with keratin and olive oil, could the breakthrough product I have been dreaming about been living right under my nose???

Slight of Hands

"What possessed you"???  My sister Loren demanded to know...Good question!!! Well...it all started with 3 visits to 3 different drugstores.  Each and every one was sold out of Clairol's Root Perfect in either Medium Brown or Medium Ash Brown.  Madness! Did we all get skunky on the same day???  And then I spied a new product by Nice 'n Easy... Color Blend Foam.  Simple one step,  permanent color, with a dripless mousse consistency, that promised built in tones and highlights.  What's the worst that could happen???, I mused naively.  I was about to find out...

Why Cheat???

I do make a consistent effort to deep condition my hair, it definitely does make a difference...I just never do it as directed. Why would I want to get out of a warm shower, to immerse my hair in conditioner for 20 minutes, chilled and tapping my foot, only to have to basically start over?

To get around this, I cheat. I microwave some deep conditioner and apply it to my hair, pile it loosely on top of my head and go about my business for 20 minutes or so and THEN get in the shower and wash it out.

I like John Frieda Collection hair products. Quite simply, they work well, without breaking the bank. I have always loved how my hair looks after it's professionally colored, partly because of the finishing glaze, that imparts a mirror like shine. On my last CVS run, John Frieda's Luminous Color Glaze Clear Glosser Shine Booster, transfixed me. Might it be possible, to replicate a glazed glow at home???

Clear Shine can be used like a regular condition or as a weekly treatment, applied to dry hair for 20 minutes, before shampooing---that's the ticket. They also claim the shine factor improves with continued use... Sold!!!. I had to control myself from applying it in the car.

Clear Shine is formulated for all hair shades. It smells delicious like the high end salon products they use at Warren Tricomi. It is less gummy and masque like than most deep conditioners. I could actually imagine using Clear Shine at the beach, when all bets are off and my tresses become my distresses. (Try growing up with a sister who looked like a Geisha). It rinses out easily and left my hair shiny, manageable and full of volume.

Do I love it??? Clearly I do!!! See you at the beach this summer, Sis.

xox,
DD

Hair Ye Hair Ye (Part 1)

O.K., I have two hair raising tales to tell, but they are lengthy and I need you to stay focused---so I will do this in two parts.

I have only had two colorists in my life, who have been able to achieve the perfect caramel highlights I require, David and Christopher. There is a murky, brassy eight year gap, that I try to block out of my memory, some of which included bad stints at home coloring.

In the good years, I continued travelling back to the City to see David after I married and moved to the Burbs. When David decided to move back to his Burbs, (Canada), we bid adieu.

David introduced me to a product called Clairol Shimmer Lights, which came in a distinct violet bottle, whose product was of the same hue. There was only one formula to brighten and tone down brassy, faded highlights. It worked like a charm and David swore it was the only shampoo I would ever need. The challenge, became finding it...primarily, it existed on the dusty shelves, of dwindling Mom and Pop Beauty Supply Stores. Eventually, it became to difficult to find, so I moved on.

While in N.Y. recently, I happened upon Ricky's NYC, the famed beauty emporium, which I had remarkably, never been in. Perusing the aisles, and smugly thinking, "been there, done that" to dozens of products, I spotted a large bottle of Shimmer Lights Shampoo!!! I nearly kissed both sides of the bottle. It now comes in two formulas: one for blond and silver hair and the other for brunette and red heads. I knew the first was the same I had used with success, but I thought I would gamble on the newer one for brunettes...needless to say, I wasn't leaving without it.

What can I say??? The stuff is genius. Daily, strangers are approaching me to ask about my color, (I recently held court, quite unintentionally at a Sephora in Greenwich...madness).

Even Christopher, knew the minute I plopped in his chair on my last visit to Warren Tricomi, that something was different . Christopher knows I tinker, and thankfully, never chastises me, but for once, the change was for the better! The perfectly placed highlights he mastered 7 weeks earlier, were not only intact, they were still glowing. I told him I rediscovered Shimmer Lights, which he pulled out of him memory banks immediately. For the first time in 12 years, I have the green light to continue.

So, I am revising the official list---three brilliant colorists, David, Christopher and Miss Clairol. Like I said, genius. Do order yourself a bottle today, (www.sallybeauty.com).

Your welcome.

xox,
DD